Blurry pictures aside, I thought it'd be fun to pair up colours conventionally known for it's tie to all things preppy.

The movie was followed by supper at Boulud Sud, Daniel Boulud's latest venture into mediterranean cuisine. The meal was exceptional and naturally resulted in over-eating.

Full belly = Happy Usha

It's been a while since I took this COS necklace out to play. Part of the H&M umbrella of companies, the store is a must-visit whenever I am in Europe. I long for the day they open-shop this side of the pond.

Friday, September 9, 2011

I live directly across the street from a Zara store and I still could not help place an order the moment the company launched it's online presence.

I purchased these two - which unfortunately for me, went back to the store as quickly as it was delivered:

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The slit of the skirt (bought in size S) stays decent only whilst standing. The moment I take steps, it reveals WAYYY more than should be EVER revealed to anyone (besides to a lover). I am afraid even wearing this skirt with tights won't mitigate the flashing so tread with caution!

The pretty salmon pink coat - well I was just sized out. I bought an XS so I suggest sizing down. There is no tapering of the waist and it has more "swing" than appears in the picture above. Not made of wool and the obvious 3/4 length of the sleeves mean the coat will only be suitable for fall or "mild" winter (holla Australia!).

I love the rich colour of cable knit juxtaposed with the shimmery mini

I am hoping this is a solid coat and not just a trench

I already have a pencil skirt in nave lace but there is always room for more, no?

I will be stalking this dress since I hope to be living in it all winter

If you weren't already aware, here are some tips for a happy Zara shopping experience:

New shipments arrive in store on Tuesdays and Saturdays. I am hoping this also applies to online stock.

Zara maintains a 30-day return/exhange policy in the US. Always retain your receipts - without it, an exchange will be solely at a store manager's discretion even if you have all tags attached. Don't even try returning without one.

Non-sale items can be put on hold in store, usually for 24 hours.

I have a feeling that the mirrors in the change room are of the "skinny" kind - I have ended up with many dubious purchases to the extent I always try things at home to make sure.

Most importantly, Zara quality is questionable at the best of times - so check seams, buttons and zippers etc. of your garments thoroughly (another reason to keep your receipts carefully).

Have you plunged into Zara e-commerce yet? Would you be keen to see more, thorough reviews of Zara items? Email or let me know via the comments section!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Just like most trips we take, this one was filled with great food and drink. But being first-time visitors, we dutifully spent time at various tourist spots - Millenium Park including taking silly pictures at The Bean, walking the stretch that is the Magnificient Mile and hanging out with thousands(!) of others at Navy Pier.

My favourite bits: the sunset walk along the lake shore, cocktails at the Aviary (this one deserves its own post) and the architecture cruise along the Chicago river.

The thrill of standing on the glass ledge of the Willis Tower (I haven't been here that long and even I prefer to refer to it as the Sears Tower) looking down 103 floors was worth the admission many many many times over.

(As you can see from my outfits, I am the champion of packing light - just allows for shopping space, no?)

Cafe Spiaggia: less formal than the dining room but still exquisite with a view of the Mile and John Hancock Tower.

The Aviary: PHENOMENAL cocktails. If you only go to to one place in Chicago, this is it. Whilst not the most comfortable since you have to stand, the best tables in the house are right by the mixologists. )